Marinated Chèvre Cheese Goat Cheese Appetizer Food

HERBED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Find a small, wide-mouth canning jar or small glass vase (3 1/2 inches in diameter by 4 inches high), just large enough to hold the two goat cheeses on top of each other with a little room to spare. Cut each cheese in half horizontally, making 2 rounds from each. (A piece of dental floss makes this easier.)
• Place half of the first disk flat in the jar, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then with 1/2 teaspoon dill, 1 teaspoon basil, and a few red pepper flakes, and drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Place another disk of cheese on top and repeat the seasonings, herbs, and oil. Continue with the remaining cheese disks, piling one on top of the other with oil and seasonings in between. When all the disks are stacked and seasoned, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top. Cover and set aside at room temperature for one hour or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Serve at room temperature with bread or crackers for people to help themselves.

MARINATED GOAT CHEESE WITH HERBS AND SPICES

Steps:

• Gently break goat cheese into large pieces; arrange in a serving bowl. Let sit at room temperature while you infuse oil.
• Crush allspice and coriander with the flat side of a chef's knife. Place in a small saucepan along with garlic, orange zest, bay leaves, star anise, oil, and red pepper flakes. Cook over low, swirling pan occasionally, until garlic is golden, 15-20 minutes. Pour over goat cheese. Let sit until cool, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425°. Arrange bread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden brown around the edges, 5-8 minutes.
• Sprinkle marinated goat cheese with flaky salt and serve with toast.
• Do Ahead
• Goat cheese can be marinated 3 hours ahead. Store lightly covered at room temperature.

MARINATED CHEESE APPETIZER

Steps:

• Cut cheddar cheese and cream cheese into 1/4 inch slices, then again in half.
• Using a small dish, place cheese slices on end alternating cheddar and cream cheese.
• Make the marinade by combining sugar, basil, salt, pepper, oil, vinegar, pimento, parsley, onion and garlic.
• Pour marinade over cheese, cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Serve with crackers.